The Owl

When the cathedral bell strikes at one,
And the Eve is done,
I shall pray no longer in vain;
I shall set my will free, gently gaining
Awareness of passing through night for she.
With wings of the owl
And tapping of toes
Upon the edge of the earth, I shall vow
To comfort the living out of their woes.

The light, softly quick,
Coupled with dreams,
Come blessing and passing, removed from the seas
I rise on the hair of each sigh
And learn of inventing as stars sky.
And gentle as those that still seek
Takes love in the hush of the deep.

I shall care for the world as a whole;
Rest easy, dear one, for I am full!
As I haven’t to leave you tonight,
I will trust all there’s light before me in flight.

• Edward Thomas